Dishwasher leak or float sensor stops filling or starts draining when water reaches an unsafe area. Related symptoms include leak/overflow codes, continuous drain or refusal to start. Those symptoms do not prove the component failed: turn water off and identify the actual leak before resetting.
What this covers
- dishwashers with leak protection
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Dishwasher leak or float sensor”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
There is a real leak that has triggered the sensor
What separates it The machine stops with a leak code and water is in the base tray or under the machine.
How to confirm Turn off the water, and dry and look for the actual source before resetting.
- 2
Excess suds or a spill has wetted the base
What separates it A leak code follows a foamy load or a rinse-aid spill and the base is wet with soap.
How to confirm Wipe the tray and run rinse cycles with no detergent.
- 3
The float is stuck or dirty
What separates it The float does not move freely and the sensor believes there is water.
How to confirm Check the float area only where the manual allows.
- 4
The door gasket, hose or a fitting is leaking
What separates it Water appears at the door edge or at a hose connection at the front or rear.
How to confirm Look for the wet spot and the gasket condition.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The code, where the water is and how much.
- Whether foam or a spill happened, and the load.
- When the leak appears in the cycle.
Try in this order
0 of 2 completedTest before you replace
ReversibleTurn water off and identify the actual leak before resetting.
Weigh the repair
ReversibleReplacement difficulty for the dishwasher leak or float sensor is varies; correct the leak before clearing the sensor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Turn off the water and disconnect power if water reaches electrical parts; do not run the machine with an active leak.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Can I reset the leak code and keep running the dishwasher?+
Only after you have found and fixed the leak. The sensor protects your floor, so resetting an active leak just floods it.
What is the leak sensor for?+
It detects water in the base pan and stops the dishwasher to prevent flooding. It may stop a cycle and show a code.
Can it trigger falsely?+
Yes, from spills, condensation or a stuck float. Dry the base, check the float moves freely and try again.
When is it a real leak?+
If water reappears in the pan, look for leaks at hoses, the door seal or the pump, and stop using the dishwasher until fixed.